Life Lessons From 25 New Testament CharactersShembull

The Center-Piece of Peace

Does resting get the job done? Let's ask Martha, the sister to Mary and Lazarus. Martha worked hard to make sure every detail was handled and every job was done so that everybody was taken care of. This all changed the day she met Jesus. Jesus challenged Martha to see beyond the work that needed to be done, to understand that, though details are important, the most important thing was right in front of her… and that was Him. Jesus wanted to teach Martha that while there is nothing wrong with work or details, sometimes the most important work to do is simply resting and enjoying His presence.

THINK and PRAY:

What concerns you?

In an age where time seems to only get faster and there is always work to be done, slowing down and observing what’s around you can be very difficult to do. This was Jesus’ challenge to Martha. Yes, the reality of what needs to be done might be important, but what is even more important is the work God is doing. Realize that. Believe that. Trust in that. In Luke 10:42, Jesus told Martha, “There is only one thing worth being concerned about.” That one thing is Him; His words being spoken, and His work being done. And while the Lord's work often calls for us to work with Him, other times it asks us to stop, rest, and observe what He is doing. Are you stopping, resting, listening, and observing what God may be up to in your life? Or are you working so much, doing so much, distracted, and connected so much that everything may seem like a blur? Read Martha's story in Luke 10 and see if you identify. In our last picture of Martha in John 12, she is once again serving a meal to Jesus and his disciples. She had not stopped serving. But the Bible records her silence this time. Maybe she had begun to learn what her sister Mary already knew—that worship begins with silence and listening.